The Chargers’ 53-man roster is settled after the club waived 15 players, including three veterans Saturday, and placed rookie running back Germaine Race on “Reserve-Injured.”

Those informed of their release Saturday included safety Tra Battle, center Mark Bihl, running back Eldra Buckley, wide receivers Greg Camarillo and Mark Simmons, defensive ends Andre Coleman, Keith Grennan and Derreck Robinson, safety Bhawoh Jue, offensive tackles Cory Lekkerkerker and Tony Pape, defensive tackle Louis Leonard and linebackers Antwan Applewhite, Nick Roach and Jyles Tucker.
“We spend a lot of time making these decisions,” Turner said. “When you get to guys that the players and coaches have been around like Camarillo, Lekkerkerker or Derreck Robinson, those are tougher deals. When you’re letting someone go it’s because someone has come in here and done a heck of a job.”

The club also placed rookie running back Germaine Race on “Reserve-Injured.” Race suffered a toe injury in Thursday night’s preseason finale that required season-ending surgery.

Starting Sunday at 9 a.m., the Chargers may sign eight players to the team’s practice squad.

“Most of these guys will have a chance to continue their career, whether it be here or somewhere else,” Turner said. “Some of them might be and could very likely be back on our football team as a practice squad player, but they could be back on our team on the 53-man roster.”

Captains named

Following Saturday’s practice, Turner announced the team’s five captains for Sunday’s opener against the Bears. All five are 2006 Pro Bowlers and include quarterback Philip Rivers and running back LaDainian Tomlinson on offense, linebacker Shawne Merriman and defensive tackle Jamal Williams on defense and coverage ace Kassim Osgood on special teams. Captains are voted on by the players.

I won't be surprised if Roach, Tucker, Camarillo and most of the defensive and offensive linemen cut get invites from elsewhere. We are light on defensive linemen depth. What do we do if either Catillo or Igor go down? We have only Cesaire, with nobody to provide a breather. I think I would have kept Derreck Robinson and one less DB. I really hope Louis Leonard clears waivers, along with Roach, Tucker, Derreck and Applewhite, but I doubt it